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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.