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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 fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.