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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past 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 property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.