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

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

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier 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 limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.