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

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent statement, 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 not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The park often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.