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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.