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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

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

In a later statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.