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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.