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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.