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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older 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 shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.