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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated 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 put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.