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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.