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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the establishment explained 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.