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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the director explained.

In a later update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.