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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 destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.