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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.