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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land 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 landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.