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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.