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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land 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 heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“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 considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park 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 encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.