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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.