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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.