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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated 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 put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.