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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.