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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.