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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.