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

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

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 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 employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary 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 deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.