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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 other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.