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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.