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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 outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 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,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.