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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

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

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.