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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.