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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

In a later announcement, the park verified 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 incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.