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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property 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 landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.