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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.