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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

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

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.