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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.