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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.