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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors 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, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. 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 future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a later announcement, the facility 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 worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

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

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

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

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.