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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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 indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.