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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager 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 shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

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

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.