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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property 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 possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.