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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the sanctuary 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.