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A beleaguered 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 financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

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

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.