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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.