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

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

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

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the park announced 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 declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.