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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down 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 social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.