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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 fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements 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 rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

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

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.