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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment indicated 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded 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 rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.