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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.