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

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.