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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the director added.

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

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

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.