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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

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

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this tragic situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.