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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.