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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

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

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.