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

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

In a online announcement, 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,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, 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 untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

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

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.