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A financially troubled 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 unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.