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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 fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly 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 later statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

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

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.