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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online 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 put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.