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

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator added.

In a later statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.