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

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.