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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.