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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, 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 indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.