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

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the park announced 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 actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.