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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator 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 buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

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

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.