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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment explained 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.