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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land 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 property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

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 rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.