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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly 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 went into liquidation in 2023.