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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

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 grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.