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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

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

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.