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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly 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 closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.