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

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property 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 property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.