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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the director explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.