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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older 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 online update, the establishment clarified 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 put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a recent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.