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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the director explained.

In a later statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.