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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary 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 not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.