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

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.