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

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.