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

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

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.