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

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director 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 acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.