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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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 landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

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

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.