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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary 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 untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.