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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.