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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.