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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced 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 private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, 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 landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent 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 worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.