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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

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

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.