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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.