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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.