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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 outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility explained 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 put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.