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

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

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

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.