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

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

In a online post, the facility 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.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.