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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its owner 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.