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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.