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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.