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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined 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 intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.