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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations 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 group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

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

In a later announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

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

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.