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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed 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 incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.