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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.