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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.