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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property 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 landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.