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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.