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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.