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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.