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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

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

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe 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 another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

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

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.