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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.