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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 destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we handle this tragic situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.