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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.