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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.