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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary 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 deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.