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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” 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 acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.