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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.