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

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

In a online update, the establishment 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.