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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, the facility 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 untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.