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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.