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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.