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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise 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 shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained 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 put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility attained 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 mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.