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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

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

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.