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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director added.

In a later update, the park verified 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 declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.