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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, 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 untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.