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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.