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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

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

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.