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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land 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 landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.