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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 fate of the other five lions still unclear, 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 facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.