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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill 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 town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of 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 employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.