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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a later statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

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

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.