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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.