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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.