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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.