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

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

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

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

In a subsequent update, the park verified 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 deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.