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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

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

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.