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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its owner 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 landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“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 utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.