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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

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

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.