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

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

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.