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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility explained 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 “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.