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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the establishment explained 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.