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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.