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

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

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a later update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.