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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.