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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.