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

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.