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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.