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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property 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 property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.