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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

In a later statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the decision to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.