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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.