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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

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

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.