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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.