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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.