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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining 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 establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.