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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. 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 future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.