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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.