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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 outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.