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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility clarified 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 put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.