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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.