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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.