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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome 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 social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.