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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.