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

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land 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.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.