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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.