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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.