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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.