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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

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

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.