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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary 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 incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.