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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.