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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable 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 sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.