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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.