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

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

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

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.