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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down 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, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.