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

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

In a social media announcement, the facility 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a later update, the facility confirmed 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 deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

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

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.