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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

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

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.