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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled 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 shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.