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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director explained.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

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

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.