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

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

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

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.