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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

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

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.