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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the director explained.

In a recent announcement, the park announced 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 deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.