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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the establishment clarified 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.