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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility 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 specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.