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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property 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 staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

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

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.