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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.