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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the director added.

In a later announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.