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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the facility confirmed 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 declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.