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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.