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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

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

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.