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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

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

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.