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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, 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 listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.