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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The director mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

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

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

The park attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.