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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 destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

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

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.