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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a later announcement, the park verified 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.