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

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary 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 declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.