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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

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

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.