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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.