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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.