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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.