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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.