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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

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

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

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.