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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property 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.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent statement, 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 incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.