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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.