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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

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

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.