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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness 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 big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

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

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.