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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the facility 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 said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.