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

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

In a recent announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.