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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.