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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.