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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 outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.