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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed 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 declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request kindness and respect as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

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

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.