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

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, 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 not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.