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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.