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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.