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

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

In a online post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.