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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

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

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.