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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.