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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.