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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

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

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.