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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

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

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” 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 facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.