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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.