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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.