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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the 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 staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.