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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down 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 city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its owner 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a recent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

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

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.