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

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the 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 staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

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

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

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

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.