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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent statement, the park 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 deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.