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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate 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 facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator noted that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined 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 course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.