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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.