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

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

In a later update, the park confirmed 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 worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.