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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.