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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a recent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.