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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.