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

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.