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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the 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 employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.