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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, 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 put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.