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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a later statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.