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

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

In a online post, 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 property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.