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

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land 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 landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

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

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.