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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed 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 private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

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

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

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

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.