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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring 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 option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.