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

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

In a social media announcement, 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

In a later announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.