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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.