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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.