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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 destiny 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 weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, 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 untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.