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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past 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 put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.