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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.