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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the establishment explained that its proprietor 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a recent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.