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

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

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

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

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

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.