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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.