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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The director noted that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.