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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.