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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

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

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.