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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.