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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill 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 online post, 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 “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

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

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.