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

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

In a online post, the establishment clarified 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 “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.