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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 destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.