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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a later statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive messages.

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

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.