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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.