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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.