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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

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

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.