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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated 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 put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.