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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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 demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and security obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.