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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned 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 owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might 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 operator added.

In a later update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.