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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified 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 put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.