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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.