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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.