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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.