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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the director added.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.