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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.