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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent 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 grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.