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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a subsequent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

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

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.