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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a later statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.