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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.