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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.