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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.