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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show 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 cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.