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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.