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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.