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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.