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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

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

In a subsequent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.