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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced 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 ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the facility confirmed 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 deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.