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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.