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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.