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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property 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 property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.