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

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

In a online announcement, the facility explained 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 “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.