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

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor 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 property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

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

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary verified 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 not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though 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 an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.