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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the facility explained 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.