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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the establishment clarified 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said 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 land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator 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 shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.