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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.