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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.