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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“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 director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.