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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.