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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained 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 put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a later statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.