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

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director added.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

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

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.