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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said 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 property but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.