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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.