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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled 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 stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

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

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.