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

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

In a social media post, the establishment 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.