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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.