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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused 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 advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.