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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

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

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.