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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a later statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.