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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility gained minor fame 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 handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.