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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.