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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.