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

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

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director noted.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed 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 not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and respect as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.