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A struggling 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 undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.