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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.