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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.