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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 unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

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

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

The park often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.