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

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, the park verified 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 deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.