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

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

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

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.