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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue 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 group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.