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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.