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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

In a recent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.