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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a recent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

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

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.