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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

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