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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media 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 “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.