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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator added.

In a later statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.