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

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a recent statement, the facility 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 not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.