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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

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

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

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

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.