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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.