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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a later statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.