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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary confirmed 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 not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.