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

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.