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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.