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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment 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 put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary 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 declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

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

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.