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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled 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 city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated 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.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

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

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.