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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.