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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.