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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the facility explained 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 “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety 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 staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.