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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.