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

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

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

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.