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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.