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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.