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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.