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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly 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 director noted.

In a recent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

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

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.