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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.