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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary 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 actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.