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

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.