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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.