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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.