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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.