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

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

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.