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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” 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 purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.