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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.