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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged 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 city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.