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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

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

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

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.