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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director explained.

In a recent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.