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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 outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye 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 operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.