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

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

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

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.