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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its owner 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.