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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.