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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

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

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short 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 “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

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

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.