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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park 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 untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.