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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner 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 tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

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

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.