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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.