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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

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

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.