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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.