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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.