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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the establishment 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and security obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.