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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility explained that its owner 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.