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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent 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 actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.