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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.