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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

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

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable 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 put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.