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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.