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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.