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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.