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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome 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 online update, the establishment clarified 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.