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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.