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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media 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 put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility confirmed 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.