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

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.