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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down 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 group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

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

In a recent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.