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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.