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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land 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 landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a later statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye 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 remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.