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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older 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 closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.