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

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.