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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified 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 untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.