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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down 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 shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.