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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged 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 town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director added.

In a later announcement, 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 worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.