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

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.