A New Zealand wildlife sanctuary that recently closed due to financial struggles said it plans to euthanize its senior lions.

Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary in Whangarei, a city in the Northland region of New Zealand's North Island, closed last week, according to a Nov. 5 statement on the privately owned park's Facebook page.

"This week, the remaining big cats at the lion park (age 18-21) will be euthanized following a difficult decision by the property owners, Bolton Equities," Janette Vallance, the now-former facility operator for the sanctuary, said in the statement. "There were no real options left."

The decision drew concern and frustration from people and groups online, with some as far away as the United States chiming in and offering to pay to help rescue the animals.

In an updated Facebook post on Wednesday, Nov. 5, Vallance confirmed that two lions, Imvula and Sibili, had been euthanized. The sanctuary's five other lions are "well and continue to receive excellent care," Vallance said in the post

Regarding the two euthanized lions, the former facility operator said the animals suffered “serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating," adding the decision was made “with deep care and consideration.”

According to Vallance, relocation of the remaining five lions is not a “viable or humane option” due to the animals' ages and "complex needs."

USA TODAY contacted the former sanctuary and its property owner, Bolton Equities, a private equity investment company based in Auckland, New Zealand, but has not received a response.

Why did Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary close?

According to its Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 social media posts, the sanctuary shut down last weekend and is now for sale.

Vallance explained in the Nov. 5 post that the sanctuary could "potentially continue as a lion park, but this would require both purchase and significant capital interest."

Bolton Equities has spent more than $12 million on "build works and ongoing support," but with "no return to them," Vallance said.

In captivity, lions can live until their late teen years, and sometimes into their early 20s, USA TODAY previously reported. In the wild, lions can live up to 16 years, but male lions often do not live past the age of 10.

'A glimmer of hope'

In the Nov. 6 Facebook post, Vallance said the sanctuary has "thoroughly investigated options" for the five remaining lions, Shikira, Cleo, Abdullah, Timba and Thembah, saying the animals' wellbeing was "a priority."

After receiving offers to help, Vallance wrote that a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining lions.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions,” the park said. “While the timeframe is short and the situation remains uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

The good news comes after Vallance said in the Nov. 6 post that she has received threats following the euthanization of Imvula and Sibili.“We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation,” Vallance wrote. "Thank you to everyone who supported us over the years. The memory and legacy of these incredible animals will live on in the hearts of many."

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wildlife sanctuary euthanizing its elderly lions, says 'no real options left'

Reporting by Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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