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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.