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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified 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 put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.