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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.