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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, 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 worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.