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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.