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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.