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A financially troubled 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 unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated 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 put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.