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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director added.

In a recent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.