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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.