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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

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

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.