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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the establishment clarified 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility 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 not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” 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 several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

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

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.