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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

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

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

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

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.