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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.