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

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

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.