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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, 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 listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

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

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

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

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.