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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

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

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.