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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 outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a later update, the facility confirmed 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 actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.