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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.