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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.