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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.