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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained 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 staff and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.