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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.