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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed 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 worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

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

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

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

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.