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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

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

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye 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 consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.