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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled 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 park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

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

In a subsequent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.