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

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.