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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

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

In a recent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.