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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the facility explained 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 put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.