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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this tragic situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

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

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.