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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.