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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.