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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.