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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment explained 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.