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

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

In a online post, the facility clarified 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.