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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated 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 “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.