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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.