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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment 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 tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.