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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified 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 “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled 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 thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.