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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.