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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.