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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

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

The property owner chose not to respond.

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

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.