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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

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

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.