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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

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

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

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

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

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.