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

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

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

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.