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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a later 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 decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.