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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.