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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.