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

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

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.