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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a recent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.