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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary confirmed 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 choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

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

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.