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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.