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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed 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 incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.