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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the park verified 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 worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.