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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator added.

In a recent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues 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 improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.