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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.