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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

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

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.