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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, the facility confirmed 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.