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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land 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 property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

In a later update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

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

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.