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

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, the facility confirmed 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.