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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.