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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.