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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent update, the park announced 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 worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.