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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.