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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.