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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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 shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.