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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.