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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.