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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.