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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.