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

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

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

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.