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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, 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 “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.