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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator added.

In a recent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.