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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

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

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.