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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 destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.