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

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director added.

In a later statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility often experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.