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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

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

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.