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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility explained 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request kindness and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.