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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging 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 been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.