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

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

In a online post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.