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

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.