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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.