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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.