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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“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 significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.