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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, 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 property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

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

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.