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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director added.

In a later update, the sanctuary 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 deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.