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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

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

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.