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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.