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

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

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

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.