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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.