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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.