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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its owner 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

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

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.