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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.