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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.