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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome 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 explained that its proprietor 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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 shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.