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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.