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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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 shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.