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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.