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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.