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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 destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the sanctuary announced 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 untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.