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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.