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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a subsequent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.