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

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.