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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility announced 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 deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

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

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.