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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment 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 “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.