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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said 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 acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.