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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director 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 worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.