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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.