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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land 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 property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

In a later update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.