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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment 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.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a later statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

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

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.