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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.