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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.