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

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

In a online post, the establishment clarified 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director 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 serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

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

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.