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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.