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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the establishment explained 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.