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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.