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

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

In a online post, the facility clarified 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.