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

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.