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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.