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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a later update, the park 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 incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue 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 quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.