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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.