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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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 buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

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

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

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.