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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.