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

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

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

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.