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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 online post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.