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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured 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 white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.