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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.