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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.