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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, 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 landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary 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 remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

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

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.