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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.