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

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a recent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

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

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.