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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.