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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.