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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town 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 group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.