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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.