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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.