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

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary verified 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 incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.