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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.