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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.